Italy's President, Sergio Mattarella, has delivered a strong message about how institutions and society should respond to the concerns of young people, following protests and violent clashes in Milan and Turin.
The head of state's statements come a day after the approval by Giorgia Meloni's government of a new security decree, which tightens legal measures and expands criminal liability for minors.
"Society cannot address young people with an attitude of indifference or, even worse, with a petty underestimation. This is a major social issue, a priority to which institutions and all forces of society must be sensitive," declared Mattarella.
During a ceremony at the Quirinale Palace, where he hosted personalities recognized for their contribution to the economy and students distinguished for their results, the Italian president demanded that politics not be limited to immediate measures, but address the causes of the discontent of the younger generation.
"A broad vision is needed that, in addition to the necessary decisions of the moment, builds appropriate strategies to cope with the anxiety, the feeling of uncertainty about the future that young people often experience, as well as the fear of subjugation or social exclusion. Even more so in these turbulent and uncertain times," he emphasized.
Mattarella's message comes at a time when the Italian government has opted to toughen legislation following the riots. The president had called for policies to reflect on the roots of violence and robberies involving minors, as well as on the factors that may lie behind these events. However, the government approved the decree within 24 hours.
Another concern raised by the president was the departure of talented young people from Italy.
"The negative balance of emigration of young people constitutes a heavy burden. We must create the conditions for return to become attractive for them. Many of them would return willingly if they were offered a professional and life path that would enable them to realize themselves," said Mattarella.
The Italian president also spoke about the danger of concentrating economic and technological power in the hands of monopolies, particularly criticizing technology magnates who refuse to submit to national and international rules.
Referring to former President Luigi Einaudi, he called for public control over monopolies, which he described as a source of unemployment and social inequalities.
Mattarella also warned about the consequences of wars, neo-imperialist policies, uncertainty in maritime transport and rising prices, while recalling the problem of low wages and threats to the values of the European Union.
"The perspectives of young people are crucial to determining the development of our society, our economy and our lifestyles," the Italian president concluded.
